Unconventional Business Podcast

Siobhan Fox
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This is your place for real stories of real people growing their businesses in the real world. Most of us are neurodivergent in some way, but everyone is welcome. This is the place for the rule-breakers, the narrative-dismantlers and those who just want to forge their own unique path in the world. You will find no ‘do it my way’ or six steps to six figures BS here. My guests and I will offer guidance that allows you to take just the bits you like and feel good for you, and easily apply them to your business. Join me on this journey and together, let’s do business differently.

  1. Episode 100 - Celebrating ADHD Strengths

    12/09/2025

    Episode 100 - Celebrating ADHD Strengths

    Episode 100: Celebrating ADHD Strengths, Self-Acceptance, and the Magic of Building a Business That Works for Your Brain For Episode 100 (!!!), I am doing something a little different.No script. No bullet points. Just a collection of honest, heartfelt voice notes from some of my clients; the people living, breathing, and building businesses around their ADHD strengths every single day. This episode is a celebration:🎉 of ADHD brains🎉 of unconventional business owners🎉 of the magic that happens when we stop fighting how we’re wired🎉 and of YOU! The listener who’s kept this podcast going for 3.5 whole years Instead of a guest interview or solo ep, this milestone episode is a thoroughly uplifting celebration of lived experience. We're having a voice note party! My wonderful clients share how they’ve stopped trying to “fix” themselves, and instead built businesses around what they naturally do best: creativity, empathy, hyperfocus, pattern recognition, curiosity, big-picture thinking, and that beautiful ADHD spark. Inside this celebratory episode, you’ll hear: ✨ Why acceptance is the real starting point for transformation✨ How pattern recognition, fast thinking & creativity become business superpowers✨ The role of curiosity, novelty, and “following the spark” in sustainable work✨ Building businesses around strengths - not shame, shoulds, or outdated expectations✨ The emotional intuition and empathy so many ADHDers use to support clients✨ How self-awareness helps us honour cycles, energy dips and rest✨ Stories of using “messy parts” as magic, not flaws to hide✨ The power of voice notes, community, and being seen✨ Why sensitivity, humour, and authenticity are not weaknesses but incredible ADHD strengths I absolutely loved recording this ep - each voice note brings something different: confidence, vulnerability, joy, real talk, humour, and above all proof that ADHD is not a limitation when you stop trying to live by a neurotypical playbook. Magic Moments 💬 “What used to feel like thinking too fast has become the strength I now rely on.”💬 “This is who I am and I’m going to build around it, not fight against it.”💬 “If I’m bored, that’s the litmus test. That idea won’t fly and that’s a strength.”💬 “Hyperfocus is powerful, but so is paying myself back with rest.”💬 “I don’t mask in my business. That’s why my clients trust me.”💬 “Curiosity is my engine - I’m always learning, and my clients benefit every day.”💬 “I treat self-awareness like a tool. It’s how I forecast my energy, not judge it.” This episode is a love letter to all the ADHDers out there needing to feel seen and accepted. If you’re ready to play to your strengths, create the conditions you need to thrive, and build a business that feels like you, this milestone episode will feel like a hug, a hype speech, and a permission slip all in one. Links & Next Steps 💛 Work with SiobhanIf you want support building a business around your ADHD strengths through working with me, head to: bigpicturebusinesscoach.com 💛 Share the episodeIf this resonated, please pass it on to someone who needs the reminder that their brain isn’t a burden, it’s brilliant. 💛 Get in touchHave a topic you’d love me to cover in the next 100 episodes? Send me a message on Instagram: @siobhan_reveals Featured in this episode:  1. Rosie Elvin - ADHD Coach & Speaker @rosie.adhdfocus 2. Amy Wilkinson - Coach to Fearless Foodies @amywilkinsoncoach 3. Demi Lauranne - Founder of Lauranne Social (LinkedIn) @demilauranne 4. Samantha Parsley - Writing coach for research-led writers @curious_view_coaching 5. Charlie Daly - Non-fiction writer & ghostwriter @dalyprose 6. Eloise Elford - Content repurposing partner @eloise_elford 7. Andrea White - Speaker Coach & Trainer (Linkedin)  @andreawhiteuk 8. Wendy Gannon – Photographer @wo0photography 9. Susannne Schotanus – ADHD writing coach @passionatewritercoaching 10. Kate Latrobe - ADHD coach @neurodivergencewithklt

    42 min
  2. Episode 99 - Rewriting The Parenting Rulebook

    11/18/2025

    Episode 99 - Rewriting The Parenting Rulebook

    Parenting is hard. Running a business is hard. Running a business AND parenting is even harder. Parenting while neurodivergent, and raising neurodivergent children, is another level altogether! It often feels like trying to juggle chainsaws in a hurricane. If you know this feeling, this episode is for you! In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I am joined by ADHD coach Sarah West to talk about diagnoses, school battles, perimenopause, low-demand parenting, and what it really means to raise children who don’t fit the mould - while unlearning everything you were taught about being a “good” parent along the way. Sarah brings a beautiful combination of lived experience, clinical insight, and fierce mama-bear advocacy, and this episode will resonate with anyone who has ever thought: “Is it just us?” (spoiler: it’s not.) We talk about: ✨ What led Sarah from a 20-year nursing career to ADHD coaching✨ Navigating ADHD, autism, perimenopause, and burnout simultaneously✨ The long road to her daughters’ diagnoses and the guilt that comes with “not knowing sooner”✨ Why trusting your parental instincts matters more than pleasing professionals (or anyone else)✨ The importance of curiosity in parenting neurodivergent kids✨ Low-demand parenting, reducing conflict, and choosing connection over compliance✨ Rewriting inherited parenting patterns and modelling emotional self-acceptance✨ How school systems misunderstand behaviour and what it’s actually communicating Magic moments to take away 💬 “Once you know what you’re dealing with, everything shifts. Not because the struggle disappears, but because you finally have language for it.”💬 “My job is her mental health, not cross-country on a cold Tuesday.”💬 “Everything we do gives our children permission to do the same.”💬 “I’m done earning rest. Now I ask: have I rested enough to do?”💬 “Let them be who they are, not who society tells you they should be.” Whether you’re a neurodivergent parent, raising neurodivergent kids, or simply trying to break generational patterns and do things differently, this episode is equal parts validating and empowering. You’ll walk away with practical ideas, big exhale moments, and the reminder that you are not alone in this. Find out more about Sarah West: 🌐 Website: www.sarahwest-adhd.com📧 Email: hello@sarahwest-adhd.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-west-adhd/

    42 min
  3. Episode 98 - Unlearning "High-Functioning"

    11/12/2025

    Episode 98 - Unlearning "High-Functioning"

    This episode is for the ones who’ve ever been told “you don’t look autistic” or “but you seem so high-functioning” and rolled their eyes all the way into next week. In this ep, Siobhan sits down with Liz Vande Putte - an autistic and ADHD trainer, writer and workplace educator who brings equal parts humour and honesty to the conversation about what it really means to live and work as a neurodivergent adult. They cover everything from outdated labels to sensory overload, family patterns, and why the social model of disability matters more than ever. They talk about:✨ What it means to be “actually autistic” in a world that still misunderstands the spectrum✨ How workplace training can open up wider cultural conversations✨ The crossover between autism and ADHD (and why Liz thinks they’re two sides of the same coin)✨ Sensory sensitivities, “texture” of sound, and managing capacity✨ Learning to work with your brain, not against it✨ Ditching the performance of “high-functioning” and embracing authenticity Magic Moments:💬 “Speech is a motor function, language is a cognitive one. Being non-speaking doesn’t mean having nothing to say.”💬 “You’re healing me while you’re inflicting the damage - that’s remarkably efficient.”💬 “I treat my brain like a slightly demanding toddler. Just give it the sweets and it’ll cooperate.”💬 “We don’t get any time off from this method acting thing - people win BAFTAs for less.” Liz also shares practical first steps for anyone wondering if they might be neurodivergent, from connecting with community groups online to exploring self-assessment tools and lived-experience blogs. Her message? There’s nothing wrong with you. You just need the right environment. If you’ve ever felt “too much”, “too sensitive”, or like you’re playing life on hard mode, this one will make you laugh, nod, and maybe exhale a little deeper. Find out more about Liz:Website: www.actuallyautisticadult.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-vande-putte-1983220/

    40 min
  4. Episode 97 - The Reality of the 5 Figure Business

    10/15/2025

    Episode 97 - The Reality of the 5 Figure Business

    Ever feel like the only conversations you hear are about 6- or 7-figure businesses? In this solo ep, I'm breaking the silence on the reality of the five-figure business, a.k.a. the often-overlooked and actually most common segment of the UK's private sector. I challenge the "hustle bro" narrative, help you redefine success on your own terms, and reveal the common revenue traps that keep us business owners stuck. I wrap up with a practical solution: a Real Hourly Rate Calculator, designed to help you smash those revenue ceilings without sacrificing your wellbeing. You'll hear about: Why I'm Opening Up About Five-Figure Businesses: The media narrative focuses on huge numbers, but in my work I see that most business owners are aiming for consistent, comfortable revenue like £3k−£5k months.The Data Don't Lie: I share some interesting UK statistics showing that the vast majority of businesses are very small, one-person operations with turnover below the VAT threshold (£85k). We are the majority! Did you know that…54% of the estimated 5.7 million UK businesses are unregistered for VAT or PAYE.57% (3.2 million) of all UK businesses are sole proprietorships.88% of sole proprietorships are unregistered for VAT/PAYE.What These Numbers Look Like In Context: With an estimate of £4k per month for average household expenses and rent/mortgage, I sense check the £5k−£10k monthly revenue range as a realistic and necessary goal for many of us.Rejecting the Hustle Narrative: Why are we being told we need to aim for £100k months? Spoiler alert: the people that say this on the regular are selling something (!)Three Key Areas to Break Down Your  Version of Success:Measurement: What are your metrics? (e.g., time off, physical/mental health, presence for family). Money is a tool, not the goal.Common Traps: I dive into the issues I see like hourly charging, not taking enough time off, and the dreaded boom-bust cycle (and how I suggest adopting a healthier cyclical view of business much like the ‘seasons’ in nature - because they all have their value, right!?).The Money Mindset Trap: How personal money beliefs, stories, and debt habits you’ve had inevitably manifest in your business too (and how this looks for me, personally!)The Solution: The Real Hourly Rate Calculator: I provide a step-by-step guide to calculating the true revenue you need . Warning: doing this calculation might come as a bit of a shock! Mic-drop moments: “Here's a permission slip for you: only YOU get to decide if your business is successful.” "The money that comes in is a tool that facilitates me to do the stuff I want. For me, it’s not a goal in and of itself." “Rather than ‘can I afford to take time off?” can you afford NOT to take time off? Because otherwise what you are doing is pushing yourself towards burnout." Hot Takeaways: Redefine Success: An invitation to determine your own metrics for a successful business - it's not just about the money!Evaluate Your Time: Honestly assess the hours you can work in a week and figure out how much is actually sellable time after things like admin, marketing, and rest.Ditch Hourly Charging: Start thinking about how to package your services to make more money in less time.Build in Marketing: Your version of "fully booked" must include time for permanent marketing activities to escape the boom-bust cycle (credit to Charelle Griffith for this truth bomb!)Get Real with Finances: Calculate your Real Hourly Rate to understand the true revenue your business needs, to facilitate the life you want. Resources Mentioned: ONS Business Population Estimates (UK)ONS Family Spending (UK)The Real Hourly Rate Calculator Spreadsheet (Email me to get yours at siobhan@revealmarketinguk.com) So what now? Did this episode hit home? Email me or leave a comment with your biggest takeaway! If you need help calculating your Real Hourly Rate and breaking through those revenue ceilings, drop me a DM or email and let’s chat!

    23 min
  5. Episode 96 - Unmasking Your ADHD

    09/09/2025

    Episode 96 - Unmasking Your ADHD

    What if the reason you “never finish anything” wasn’t laziness… but wiring? In this episode, I sit down with Nicola Thomas, ADHD coach and founder of the much-loved Finish It Friday sessions, to talk about how we can create structures that actually work for neurodivergent brains. Nicola shares her own unmasking journey, the importance of community, and why body doubling can be an absolute game-changer for people with ADHD. We explore: Why masking is exhausting (and what happens when you finally stop)The beauty of body doubling and why it works when nothing else doesCreating gentle accountability that empowers rather than shamesRedefining productivity: why “done” is always better than “perfect" This is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed: equal parts validating, practical, and reassuring. Magic Moments “I thought I was broken. Then I learned my brain just works differently.” “Body doubling isn’t about someone pushing you. It’s about not being alone in the doing.” “We’ve spent so long forcing ourselves into systems that don’t fit. No wonder we’re tired.” In short, if you’ve ever stared at your to-do list and felt completely paralysed, this conversation will remind you: you’re not broken, you just need better tools (and maybe a body double). You can find Nicola online at https://www.thebusybrain.co.uk/ or on Instagram @nicbusybrain. Resources mentioned in this episode include the books Unmasked by Ellie Middleton and We Are All Neurodiverse by Sonny Jane Wise.

    37 min
  6. Episode 95 - Unconventional Coaching for ADHD Founders

    08/20/2025

    Episode 95 - Unconventional Coaching for ADHD Founders

    In this episode, I am joined by ADHD coach Christian Ehmen to discuss his unconventional approach to working with founders and executives with ADHD. We explore the differences between traditional coaching and ADHD coaching, along with the critical importance of self-discovery and "inner work" before diving into business strategy. Christian Ehmen is an ADHD coach who specialises in helping mission-driven founders and executives “get the f**k unstuck," gain clarity, and grow their businesses. His coaching philosophy is built on the belief that personal development is the foundation for professional success. The Unconventional Approach Christian shares what makes his coaching unconventional. While many business coaches focus on immediate, surface-level strategies like marketing and lead generation, Christian’s method starts with "inner work." He believes that for individuals with ADHD, a lack of self-awareness and emotional regulation often holds them back. He encourages his clients to understand their unique brain and how it functions, rather than jumping straight into goal setting. As Christian says, "You can't build a house on a shaky foundation." Another key part of the inner work is identifying your narratives and patterns. Christian uses the analogy of a "monster under the bed" as something you're afraid of, but once you get a peek at it, you realise it's not as scary as you thought. The Problem with "Shoulds" Our conversation also touches on the overwhelming pressure for business owners to follow a rigid set of rules or templates. For example, Social Media is filled with advice from "hustle bros" who often don't share a founder's circumstances, such as having children or other commitments.  ADHD Coaching vs. Traditional Coaching, We also dive into the key distinctions of ADHD Coaching vs. Traditional Coaching, for example, how ADHD coaching provides an educational lens through which our clients can understand their unique challenges, such as executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation. This helps them realise their struggles aren't personal failings but just characteristics of their neurotype. We discuss the importance of providing a judgment-free zone, where clients can drop their "mask" and be their authentic selves. This allows them to openly discuss their struggles and unique ways of doing things. Finding the Right Coach Finally, we share some advice on how to find the right coach for you, such as looking for a coach who is aligned with your personal values and has similar experiences or demands on their time. Their advice will be much more relevant to your life. We also discuss the importance of paying attention to how a coach makes you feel during an initial call. Finally, we conclude with the powerful idea that investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. When you invest in your personal growth, you're not just improving your business; you're unlocking your full potential. What did you think of the episode? Share your key takeaways - and don't forget to leave us a rating or review. To find out more about Christian and his work, head to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-ehmen-adhd-coach/

    37 min
  7. Episode 94 - Unconventional Systems for Unconventional Minds

    08/06/2025

    Episode 94 - Unconventional Systems for Unconventional Minds

    Why do unconventional minds need unconventional systems? In this episode, I am joined Josh Budd, founder of Neuro Notion, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges of living with ADHD,  in particular the critical need for better post-diagnosis support. Diagnosed at age 10, Josh shares a bit about his own ADHD journey and explains why traditional, "neurotypical" systems often fail those with ADHD. We dive into the philosophy behind his innovative platform, Neuro Notion, which is designed to be “frictionless” for overwhelmed ADHDers. Josh explains how the app allows its users to "brain dump" tasks verbally, which are then organised and prioritised in a way that works with the ADHD brain, not against it. We explore his call for better post-diagnosis guidance and a shift towards more inclusive, ADHD-centric systems in education and the workplace. This is a powerful conversation about reimagining productivity, embracing ADHD strengths, and creating solutions that don't just accommodate, but fundamentally celebrate neurodiversity. Key Discussion Points: The Post-Diagnosis Support Gap: Josh shares his experience with the lack of guidance after an ADHD diagnosis and highlights the dire need for practical, ongoing support.Why “Neurotypical” Frameworks Don't Work for Neurodivergent Brains: We discuss why traditional productivity tools and systems often fail to meet the needs of the interest-based ADHD brain and how Neuro Notion offers a more effective alternative.A New Approach to Productivity: Josh explains his "user-centric design philosophy" and how his platform is built to reduce cognitive load and make organisation effortless, rather than increasing time spent in the app.The Power of the “Brain Dump": Learn how Neuro Notion's core feature allows its users to get thoughts out of their heads quickly and efficiently.Reframing ADHD: Josh shares his perspective on viewing ADHD not as a deficit, but as a "different operating system.”A Call to Action: We talk about what is needed to create more inclusive systems in education and the workplace, to level the playing field and unlock the untapped potential of neurodivergent thinking.Quotes: “The reality is that your brain is literally wired differently. This system that you need to use needs to understand how you work, otherwise it won't work”"I was diagnosed 12 years ago. I literally obsess over learning stuff about this every day, I read scientific journals every day. I'm an absolute nerd for it, and I still learn new things every day. So never stop. There's not a point where you say, ‘All right, cool. I know everything’. The more you learn, the better your life will be.”“Every single person, no matter who you are, you deserve to have guidance, support, next steps, given to you when you get diagnosed.” Links & Resources: Neuro Notion Website: www.neuro-notion.com Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-budd/

    32 min
  8. Episode 93 - Create consistent ADHD-friendly habits with the smorgasbord approach

    07/17/2025

    Episode 93 - Create consistent ADHD-friendly habits with the smorgasbord approach

    Is it possible to build lasting, sustainable habits with an ADHD brain? What does ‘work with your brain, not against it’ actually look like in practice? And crucially, how can that help you live and work better? Oh, and what on earth does a smorgasbord have to do with ADHD!? I answer all these questions and lots more in this short, snappy but powerful episode designed to help you put self-compassion into action and understand what really works for you (and what doesn’t!) We dive into: The importance of understanding that ADHD brains are interest-based rather than importance-based Why ‘’hacking your brain’ beating yourself up and/or using brute force to get yourself to do things is  not the only way - and actually let’s face it, it doesn’t feel good eitherWhy your habits can fail, what actually does motivate your brain and why understanding ADHD brains are interest-based rather than importance-based is crucial to habit-formingMy PANIC acronym  (Pressure, Accountability, Novelty, Interest, Competition) for what motivates ADHD brains, with practical examples of how to use these elements to your advantage The power of the "smorgasbord" approach, which helps you identify multiple methods to achieve a single outcome, liberating you from your current narrative around ‘consistency’ and freeing you up to create deeply personalised approaches to life and business that feel easier to achieveHow to experiment with different methods and options to reach the same goal, track what works, and avoid self-judgment and self-criticism along the way If you are still beating yourself with the ‘consistency’ stick and telling yourself ‘I just can’t stick to anything’, this episode is for you my friend! Find out more about my work coaching ADHD business owners at: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/

    22 min
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This is your place for real stories of real people growing their businesses in the real world. Most of us are neurodivergent in some way, but everyone is welcome. This is the place for the rule-breakers, the narrative-dismantlers and those who just want to forge their own unique path in the world. You will find no ‘do it my way’ or six steps to six figures BS here. My guests and I will offer guidance that allows you to take just the bits you like and feel good for you, and easily apply them to your business. Join me on this journey and together, let’s do business differently.

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